Which propranolol-related concern limits its use in patients with asthma or COPD?

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Multiple Choice

Which propranolol-related concern limits its use in patients with asthma or COPD?

Nonselective beta-blockade blocks beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, which can trigger bronchoconstriction. Propranolol, being nonselective, can provoke bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD, making this a limiting and potentially dangerous concern. Other options aren’t primary issues in this context: hypertension is a common effect but not a reason to avoid the drug specifically for respiratory disease; hyperkalemia and miosis are not typical or decisive consequences of systemic propranolol use. In practice, if a beta-blocker is necessary in someone with airway disease, a beta-1 selective agent at the lowest effective dose with careful monitoring is preferred, and nonselective drugs are generally avoided.

Nonselective beta-blockade blocks beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, which can trigger bronchoconstriction. Propranolol, being nonselective, can provoke bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD, making this a limiting and potentially dangerous concern. Other options aren’t primary issues in this context: hypertension is a common effect but not a reason to avoid the drug specifically for respiratory disease; hyperkalemia and miosis are not typical or decisive consequences of systemic propranolol use. In practice, if a beta-blocker is necessary in someone with airway disease, a beta-1 selective agent at the lowest effective dose with careful monitoring is preferred, and nonselective drugs are generally avoided.

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